Smooth chaff flower
Alternanthera paronychioides

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground. It has white hairs. The leaves are opposite. They are spoon shaped and have a short leaf stalk. The flowers are in the axils of leaves.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows wild along roadsides etc. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, India, Indochina, Laos, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable. They are fried or mixed with other vegetables.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Deu tia, Diec bo, Patur bhaji, Ponnaganti, Vucuhra katha

Synonyms

Achyranthes ficoidea (L.) Lam. [Illegitimate]; Alternanthera polygonoides (L.) R. Br. ex Griseb.;